22 habits of wealthy locals

Ever wonder how the Bay Area's top three percent lives? Is it all Champagne kisses and caviar dreams? We asked some S.F. Chronicle writers in the know to give us regular folks the scoop on the preferences of the wealthiest locals. The results are below. Although we're sure every rich person in the area doesn't ascribe to all of these habits, we have it on good authority that quite a few do.

July 24, 2014 4:00 AM

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In the summer, the wealthy go to their second or third homes in Napa, Sonoma, Lake Tahoe or the Big Island. If that's too mundane, they plan wine tasting trips in Burgundy, take cruises through the Baltic, go on safari in Africa or yachting in the Mediterranean.

In the summer, the wealthy go to their second or third homes in Napa, Sonoma, Lake Tahoe or the Big Island. If that's too mundane, they plan wine tasting trips in Burgundy, take cruises through the Baltic, go

In the summer, the wealthy go to their second or third homes in... Photo-6597947.89692 - SFGate

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Some people put their kids in summer camp, but the upper crust take their kids on educational field trips to Iceland, Lebanon, Armenia, Nepal (pictured), Bhutan, China and North Korea for enrichment and physical challenge. And that's just summer break.

Some people put their kids in summer camp, but the upper crust take their kids on educational field trips to Iceland, Lebanon, Armenia, Nepal (pictured), Bhutan, China and North Korea for enrichment and

Some people put their kids in summer camp, but the upper crust... Photo-6597963.89692 - SFGate

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Middle class kids have music lessons or play on recreational sports teams; children of the wealthy enjoy private lessons from sailing and tennis pros.

Middle class kids have music lessons or play on recreational sports teams; children of the wealthy enjoy private lessons from sailing and tennis pros.

Photo: Ghislain & Marie David De Lossy, Cultura Via Getty Images

Middle class kids have music lessons or play on recreational sports... Photo-6597991.89692 - SFGate

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The rich don't bother with the gym or even small-class studios; they have personal trainers come to their homes where they work out in their own private gyms and yoga studios. Going rate: $100+/hour.

The rich don't bother with the gym or even small-class studios; they have personal trainers come to their homes where they work out in their own private gyms and yoga studios. Going rate: $100+/hour.

Photo: Tim Robberts, Digital Vision Via Getty Images

The rich don't bother with the gym or even small-class... Photo-6598034.89692 - SFGate

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The same rule applies to other aspects of their wellness routines. The hair stylists and masseuses come to them.

The same rule applies to other aspects of their wellness routines. The hair stylists and masseuses come to them.

Photo: Hans Neleman, Photonica Via Getty Images

The same rule applies to other aspects of their wellness routines.... Photo-6598049.89692 - SFGate

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They keep things classy even when it comes to foliage: No impatiens in the garden; no carnations at the party. Nowadays, dramatic floral arrangements kept fresh in the home have been replaced with succulents and other eco-conscious greenery.

They keep things classy even when it comes to foliage: No impatiens in the garden; no carnations at the party. Nowadays, dramatic floral arrangements kept fresh in the home have been replaced with succulents

They keep things classy even when it comes to foliage: No... Photo-6598140.89692 - SFGate

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If they have a really special occasion to celebrate, the rich don't go out — they have Gary Danko cook in their kitchen.

If they have a really special occasion to celebrate, the rich don't go out — they have Gary Danko cook in their kitchen.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

If they have a really special occasion to celebrate, the rich... Photo-6599375.89692 - SFGate

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But if they must go out, they'll dine at Gary Danko, Boulevard, Prospect, Spruce, Michael Mina (pictured), Quince, and Park Tavern; on the Peninsula, The Village Pub or Madera at The Rosewood Sand Hill. For lunch, The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus is the ladies' spot of choice. less

But if they must go out, they'll dine at Gary Danko, Boulevard, Prospect, Spruce, Michael Mina (pictured), Quince, and Park Tavern; on the Peninsula, The Village Pub or Madera at The Rosewood Sand Hill. For ... more

But if they must go out, they'll dine at Gary Danko,... Photo-6238264.89692 - SFGate

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The rest of the time, they have private chefs who are expected to provide meals made from organic produce and accommodate any dietary whim (or medical necessity). And the chef even joins them on their travels.

The rest of the time, they have private chefs who are expected to provide meals made from organic produce and accommodate any dietary whim (or medical necessity). And the chef even joins them on their travels.

Photo: Andrea Bricco, Photographer's Choice RF Via Getty Images

The rest of the time, they have private chefs who are expected to... Photo-6599669.89692 - SFGate

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Wealthy people will venture to the Mission's La Taqueria, and its like, in search of authenticity (and good burritos, we presume), but otherwise, they go to places where they'll see their friends (just like us!) and can expect specific comforts, like valet parking. less

Wealthy people will venture to the Mission's La Taqueria, and its like, in search of authenticity (and good burritos, we presume), but otherwise, they go to places where they'll see their friends (just like ... more

Photo: Jim Merithew

Wealthy people will venture to the Mission's La Taqueria, and... Photo-2650101.89692 - SFGate

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Middle class folks have a softball league; wealthy people join a private club like The Pacific Union Club (pictured), The Town & Country Club, The Francisca Club, Villa Taverna (a private dining club) or the newly opened Financial District club The Battery. Peninsula people might be invited to join one of Sheryl Sandberg's Lean In circles, the Menlo Circus Club or the Burlingame Country Club. less

Middle class folks have a softball league; wealthy people join a private club like The Pacific Union Club (pictured), The Town & Country Club, The Francisca Club, Villa Taverna (a private dining club) or the ... more

Rich people have parties for anniversaries, birthdays and other occasions just like the rest of us, but instead of doing it themselves, they hire an event planner and a caterer. Among the most favored: Stanlee Gatti (one of his designs is pictured), Robert Fountain, Riccardo Benavides, McCall's Catering, Paula LeDuc Fine Catering, Taste Catering and for the emerging tech set, Ken Fulk and Rebecca Miller's Martini Bird. A recent 50th birthday party for an Atherton woman consisted of a replica of Woodstock (the music festival, not the Peanuts character) in her backyard complete with a main stage as well as vendor booths lining the perimeter of the yard giving away fake pot brownies and other edibles, various signature drinks, and street food. less

Rich people have parties for anniversaries, birthdays and other occasions just like the rest of us, but instead of doing it themselves, they hire an event planner and a caterer. Among the most favored: Stanlee ... more

Photo: Courtesy Stanlee Gatti

Rich people have parties for anniversaries, birthdays and other... Photo-4729255.89692 - SFGate

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The weddings of well-heeled Bay Area families follow the same rules, and a wedding planner is a must to ensure every detail is just right to appropriately impress the biggest names on the guest list. Whether its a grandiose affair or an intimate ceremony, atmosphere is equally important. (Just take a look at Sean Parker's fantasy-themed Big Sur nuptials.) Oh, and absolutely no DJs. less

The weddings of well-heeled Bay Area families follow the same rules, and a wedding planner is a must to ensure every detail is just right to appropriately impress the biggest names on the guest list. Whether ... more

Photo: Andrew Fox

The weddings of well-heeled Bay Area families follow the same... Photo-1880526.89692 - SFGate

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The rich buy a Pacific Heights mansion and hire a celebrity architect to remodel it before they move in. Forget Sears, Kenmore and IKEA. In the kitchen, it's La Cornue stoves enameled in a deep color, a hidden Sub-Zero refrigerator flush with cabinets made of rare custom woods alongside recycled concrete counters. Throughout the house, floors must be fine wood, marble or sustainable bamboo. They get their draperies from Scalamandre. less

The rich buy a Pacific Heights mansion and hire a celebrity architect to remodel it before they move in. Forget Sears, Kenmore and IKEA. In the kitchen, it's La Cornue stoves enameled in a deep color, a hidden ... more

Speaking of pets, it's not so strange for the rich to give donations in their pets' names. And if they're saddled with the drudgery of daily work, they get their dogs a personal dogwalker.

Speaking of pets, it's not so strange for the rich to give donations in their pets' names. And if they're saddled with the drudgery of daily work, they get their dogs a personal dogwalker.

Photo: Owl Stories, Moment Via Getty Images

Speaking of pets, it's not so strange for the rich to give... Photo-6599905.89692 - SFGate

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The middle class have Tupperware parties, while the wealthy have jewelry parties for a cause.

The middle class have Tupperware parties, while the wealthy have jewelry parties for a cause.

Photo: Paul Velgos, E+ Via Getty Images

The middle class have Tupperware parties, while the wealthy have... Photo-6630190.89692 - SFGate

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For larger philanthropical efforts, the wealthy expect that giving to another person's cause will promise a return on the favor. This might include purchasing $1,000 tickets for gala dinners or buying items at a fundraising fashion show. less

For larger philanthropical efforts, the wealthy expect that giving to another person's cause will promise a return on the favor. This might include purchasing $1,000 tickets for gala dinners or buying items at ... more

They offer their own European pied-à-terre as a gala auction prize. Photo-6632741.89692 - SFGate

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When it comes to shopping, the wealthy might go in the store and browse when looking to expand their wardrobe, and they even buy online. (Everyone likes a deal, even if it's Chloe from Theoutnet.com.) If they know the department store manager really well, they can shop after hours with the trunk show salesman and ring up $100K or more in a two-hour spree. And if something isn't suitable, they have personal relationships with the fashion designers, like Andrew Gn, Oscar de la Renta or Ralph Rucci, to request that ready-to-wear pieces are altered for their personal tastes. less

When it comes to shopping, the wealthy might go in the store and browse when looking to expand their wardrobe, and they even buy online. (Everyone likes a deal, even if it's Chloe from Theoutnet.com.) If they ... more

Photo: KURT ROGERS

When it comes to shopping, the wealthy might go in the store and... Photo-2320509.89692 - SFGate

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After their kids go off to college, society ladies use the spare bedrooms as closets for their evening gowns, which still fit.

After their kids go off to college, society ladies use the spare bedrooms as closets for their evening gowns, which still fit.

Photo: Erik Snyder, Stone Via Getty Images

After their kids go off to college, society ladies use the spare... Photo-6600008.89692 - SFGate

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The rest of us may rely on Etsy prints and family photos to decorate our walls, but some local, world-renowned art collectors display their personal acquisitions in their homes. (Pictured: Norman Stone in front of painting "Balloon Dog" (1996) by artist Jeff Koons in his dining room.) less

The rest of us may rely on Etsy prints and family photos to decorate our walls, but some local, world-renowned art collectors display their personal acquisitions in their homes. (Pictured: Norman Stone in front ... more

Photo: Christina Koci Hernandez

The rest of us may rely on Etsy prints and family photos to... Photo-2656226.89692 - SFGate